Ali Bray Wins the 2017 John Miles Young Driver Award

750 Motor Club racer Ali Bray has been announced as the winner of the 2017 John Miles Young Driver Award, following his achievements in the Davanti Tyres 5Club MX-5 Cup over the course of the season. Bray finished second in this year’s championship in only his first proper season of competition, taking five victories along the way whilst often going head-to-head with former champion and longstanding MX-5 specialist Ben Short.

Along with his enthusiasm and commitment despite a very limited budget, it was Bray’s natural ability behind the wheel that caught the eye of the award patron and former F1 driver. The prize includes a generous £1000 cash prize from Miles, which is matched by the 750 Motor Club in credit against race entry fees for 2018; something which will come as a welcome boost for the 24-year-old Milton Keynes-based driver and his AB Motorsport preparation enterprise.

Speaking of the announcement, Bray said: “I’m gobsmacked – I’ve been around paddocks for years but had only contested four sporadic races in my life before 2017. I was racing for the enjoyment and of course to win, so I’m delighted and overwhelmed that someone of John’s experience would recognise future potential. It allows me to compete with 750 Motor Club again next year, where I’ll most likely have another attempt at the 5Club MX-5 title; I can’t thank him enough.”

The award will be presented at the 750 Motor Club’s Annual Awards and Dinner Dance on January 27th 2018, and speaking of his selection, Miles said: “Ali really burst onto the MX-5 scene this season as a driver, and offered the only real challenge to former champion Ben Short. I was immediately impressed by his natural speed and car control from the first time I saw him do battle with Short at Brands Hatch. He proved both fast and consistent, and although hard pressed financially, he developed into a stylish race winner in his self-prepared car – a real achievement.”